Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Drunk driving accidents are handled differently from other traffic accidents because of the involvement of extremely dangerous conduct. The law in Texas provides special rights to people who were hurt as the result of a drunk or intoxicated driver, and understanding those rights is critically important to ensuring your case is handled properly. Our team at FVF has substantial experience investigating and handling drunk driving accident cases, with exceptional results for our clients.

Causes and Trends of Driving While Intoxicated/Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving accidents are the outcome of poor judgment and irresponsible behavior. What makes the severity of the damages, loss, and personal injury so tragic is that drunk driving is entirely preventable – what is required is caution, reflection, and forethought.

Psychiatric Disorders and Substance Abuse

As difficult as it is to ascertain why a person chooses to engage in certain kinds of behavior, particularly knowing that those behaviors are dangerous and illegal, it is even more difficult to say how those choices relate to the person’s psyche, and the pathologies (or illnesses) thereof. Some studies indicate that there may even be a link between certain genetic configurations and the etiology, or causes for the disease of addiction. 1 More directly, sound research attests to a link between DWI/DUI recidivism and substance abuse, and a link between substance abuse and psychiatric disorder, what doctors call “comorbidity.” Comorbidity is the manifestation of two distinct but related medical conditions, such as substance dependence and depression or manic bipolar disorder. For the purpose of a DWI/DUI case, the psychiatric condition of the offender may be acutely relevant. A study involving data from tens of thousands of clients in treatment centers around Texas found that DUI offenders present with an elevated risk for mood disorders, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and antisocial personality disorder. These conditions “often result in clinically significant impairment and distress in a range of important areas of functioning, including social and occupational capacities.” 2 The study also indicated that a psychiatric disorder may have a negative effect on a person’s completion of substance abuse treatment, and an exacerbating effect on a person’s tendency for recidivism.

Impaired Judgment

Since the 1980s, a number of national and state-wide public service campaigns have made significant strides toward creating a general attitude against drunk driving. Most people report negative views on driving after drinking. Yet the statistics of the frequency and scope of the DWI/DUI problem remain high. At least 1 out of 5 people reports having driven a car less than two hours after drinking alcohol in the past year. What skews the research data to some degree is that in most studies, participants are asked about the dangers of DWI/DUI while sober, despite the fact that the decision to drive after drinking is made under the circumstances of inebriation. Drawing attention to the issue, one study found that the participants’ perceived danger of DWI/DUI decreased significantly with increasing levels of intoxication. 3 In short, most people view DWI/DUI as less dangerous when they themselves are not sober, making them more likely to engage in an illegal and unsafe behavior.

Evidence and Policing of DWI/DUI

Gathering evidence in order to litigate a case of DWI/DUI is complicated by the criminal investigation that prosecutors and law enforcement may be developing. As a consequence, the victim of an intoxicated or drugged driver may have insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the driver was under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the crash. Further, the evidence process may be especially onerous depending on the kind of impairment test findings (such as breathalyzer data) are available. The arresting authorities may be reluctant to share the information collected at the site of the crash, including audio and video recordings.

Probable Cause Affidavit

Perhaps the most important evidentiary document in a DWI/DUI case is the probable cause affidavit, which contains a detailed statement from a commissioned peace officer representing the Texas Department of Public Safety. Written by an arresting officer, the affidavit states the nature of the offense, for example a Class B Misdemeanor like “operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated.” The probable cause affidavit then describes painstakingly what prompted the officer to conclude that the driver was impaired. For example, it may describe why the driver was pulled over, how he/she reacted to the stop, whether he/she was able to exit the vehicle and stand upright for a sobriety exam, how he/she performed during the exam, etc. The affidavit may also list other useful information, such as whether other passengers were in the vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver, endangered indirectly by the driver’s poor judgment.

The information contained in a probable cause affidavit is invaluable in the process of developing a DWI/DUI case on behalf of a victim who may otherwise have trouble demonstrating the driver’s grossly negligent and extremely dangerous behavior. A probable cause affidavit may also make the difference between an expedient trial or settlement, and a lengthy and uncertain process.

No Refusal Initiatives

No Refusal programs were in effect in Austin, TX almost every weekend during the spring of 2017. The programs are a safety initiative designed to expedite the process of acquiring a warrant for a sobriety test. Generally, a warrant is required for law enforcement to gather a specimen of any kind, including a breath test, or other bodily substances such as saliva or blood. During a No Refusal time-period, a “roving magistrate” issues warrants for officers’ probable cause instantaneously, foregoing what typically happens during a road-side stop, viz., that the suspect refuses to submit to sobriety testing.

According to the Austin Police Department, “As with previous No Refusal initiatives, during these dates/times there will be detectives available to assist in applying for a blood search warrant in those cases where a suspect under arrest for DWI refuses to provide a voluntary sample of breath or blood. By expanding the No Refusal initiative to all weekends instead of just holidays, APD hopes to deter drinking and driving when it is most likely to occur. The expansion of the initiative is made possible by grants from the Texas Department of Transportation.” 4

No Refusal programs provide hard evidence for attorneys who advocate for drunk drivers’ victims. They mean the difference between a weak argument and a solid case against an egregiously dangerous person’s illegal action.

Legal Procedure in DWI/DUI in Commercial Motor Vehicle Cases

When a person over the age of 21 drives a car while impaired by drugs or alcohol, the responsibility for the illegal action falls on the acting person. If he/she had various alternatives, such as taking a taxi or using a ride-share (Lyft, Fasten, Uber), was aware of the extreme risk of DWI/DUI, but decided consciously to proceed to drive while intoxicated, this is a grossly negligent behavior. In court, establishing gross negligence may be the deciding factor regarding punitive damages, a judgment designed to penalize an offender. In the case of a deliberate act by an independent adult, responsibility belongs to the primary agent, the drunk driver.

DWI/DUI cases highlight the difference between compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages afford a victim the right to recover losses with respect to property and personal injury. Punitive damages, however, are a legal mechanism of punishment. It clearly signals gross negligence, an egregious act in which the agent (driver) had objective as well as subjective knowledge that the action (DWI/DUI) had a high likelihood of leading to a catastrophic event. For DWI/DUI cases, objective knowledge refers to the general awareness shared by most adults that intoxicated driving is dangerous. Subjective knowledge refers to an individual’s explicit acknowledgment that he/she knew the dangers of drinking and driving, but chose to drive under the influence anyway.

Respondeat Superior

Respondeat Superior is a Latin legal concept meaning “let the master answer.” It was instituted to place accountability, or more technically “vicarious liability,” for certain actions with those responsible, not for the action itself but implicitly for the agent. A simple example is when the parents of a minor are liable for the actions of their child, including in cases of DUI. If a minor drinks, drives, and causes personal injury and/or material damages, a victim of these destructive activities may seek recovery of losses from the parents, the legal “masters.”

This kind of relationship, and its consequences for liability, may also apply to employers and employees. For example, a commercial motor vehicle carrier (a trucking company) may be held liable for the actions of its employees (drivers) as long as the event in question—such as a crash caused by a driver impaired by drugs or alcohol—happened within the scope of employment. In other words, an employer may be held accountable for the risky and illegal behavior of an employee, which may have major impact on a personal injury case of DWI/DUI. Even in cases where there is no contract of employment, “vicarious liability” has been extended in the UK when there is a sufficient connection between the offense (the DWI/DUI) and the relationship between the acting person and the responsible party. 5

To understand some of the legal conditions for commercial drivers, it is instructive to think of a vehicle as a tool, and to think of the driver’s employer as the owner of the tool. A car or truck is inherently dangerous, particularly when entrusted to someone whose credentials and trustworthiness largely determine safety practices. The employer, for example the owner of a fleet of trucks used for commercial transportation, allows an employee to drive a vehicle for the purposes of executing his/her job. The owner/employer may be assigned “vicarious liability,” or accountability for what happens when the truck is in operation, that is, when the tool is being used. In some cases, the “dangerous instrumentality” doctrine has been extended to cover motor vehicles, holding owners responsible for the actions of those to whom they have entrusted the instrument, the vehicle.

Negligent Entrustment

Central in this matter is the concept of “negligent entrustment.” It may be possible to legally demonstrate that an employer (a corporate entity, a commercial carrier, etc.) must be held vicariously liable for an employee’s unlawful and extremely dangerous behavior insofar as he/she chose to entrust an unreliable person with tasks that involved public risk. Employers are responsible for screening, training, and evaluating their employees. If a person who is unfit to drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery is authorized to do so by his/her employer, then, by law, the employer may be penalized for failing to complete the due diligence of management and oversight.

Determination of Cause

DWI/DUI cases may be complicated by the issue of the exact wrong-doing, which is part of the reason why having competent attorney representation is imperative. There is much dispute in courts regarding how to manage the so-called causation requirement, which references the establishment of a compelling link between the driver’s intoxication, the driver’s actions during the drive, and the victim’s personal injury or death. For example, if an intoxicated driver is involved in a fatal crash, and his/her defense attorney attempts to argue that the crash (and the fatality) was caused not by intoxication but by some external factor (such as a defective signal at an intersection), then it may be difficult for the jury to judge how responsible the driver really was. Moreover, it may be difficult to convince a jury that it was the intoxication specifically that caused the driver’s behavior before and during the incident. Professor Eric Johnson notes that courts and scholars often recognize that a DWI/DUI “defendant’s conduct will qualify as a factual cause if it contributed incrementally to the causal mechanism behind the victim’s injury, even if the defendant’s contribution is not itself a ‘but-for’ cause of the injury.” 6 This means that a skilled attorney may be able to convince a jury in a DWI/DUI case that the driver was part of the causal mechanism of the crash, without having to prove that, if not for the driver’s intoxication, the fatal event would not have happened. This kind of case development is exceedingly difficult without legal expertise and experience.

Federal Lands Jurisdiction

A portion of DWI/DUI cases in Texas are prosecuted in federal courts as opposed to state courts, depending on where the offense took place, and the statues that govern that location. The U.S. Department of the Interior sets regulations for traffic safety in territories of federal jurisdiction, including National Parks. The state of Texas has thirteen national parks, fifteen national wildlife refuges, four national forests, and two national grasslands. These include popular tourist destinations where DWI/DUIs are common, such as Padre Island National Seashore. In an article discussing “Issues Concerning Charges for Driving While Intoxicated in Texas Federal Courts,” Judge Brian L. Owsley concludes, “The prosecution of a charge for driving while intoxicated or a conviction for the same offense in Texas federal court is very similar to that in Texas state court. However, the slight differences in pursuing these criminal actions can have significant consequences, such as the different sentence a defendant faces or the rules and laws that apply to a given case.” 7

Why Should you Consult with a DUI Accident Attorney at FVF?

Drunk driving accidents have significantly different legal implications than other car accidents. An experienced DUI accident attorney at FVF can educate you about the proper steps you should take, starting immediately after your drunk driving accident, to put you in the best position to maximize your recovery. This includes understanding how a drunk driving accident lawyer can help you secure punitive damages, which is a monetary penalty the drunk driver can be held accountable for above and beyond your financial and quality of life damages.

How Much is My Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?

DUI accident cases are each different. But, to evaluate how much your drunk driving accident lawyer can help you recover, there are some main factors to consider:

Who caused the DUI accident? In most drunk driving accident cases, you will not be responsible for contributing. But if you were a passenger who knowingly got into a car with a drunk driver, an insurance company might hold that against you. Even in those cases, a strong DUI accident lawyer knows how to pressure the insurance companies into paying. A drunk driving accident lawyer might also be able to hold accountable the bar that served the drunk driver.

Are your injuries life-changing? Like any car accident, a drunk driving accident settlement will partially depend on how serious your injuries are. The law allows you compensation for your short- and long-term losses, including financial and quality of life losses. It is your burden to prove how the dui accident injuries have and will impact you if you want to maximize your settlement.

Is there sufficient insurance? Unfortunately, many dui accident injury settlements are limited by the amount of insurance available. With the help of a drunk driving accident lawyer, you can identify all resources from which your drunk driving accident settlement can be satisfied.

What is the drunk driver’s history? The law allows you to punish the drunk driver with a monetary penalty. For drunk drivers with a history of misconduct, such as prior DUI convictions, the penalty can be higher. Also, if the drunk driver shows no remorse for their conduct, your drunk driving accident settlement can increase.

Talking to an experienced dui accident attorney will help you evaluate your case so you know what needs to be done to maximize your drunk driving accident settlement. We can help, and a case evaluation is always free.

2 James Freeman, Jane Carlisle Maxwell, and Jeremy Davey, “Unraveling the Complexity of Driving While Intoxicated: A Study into the Prevalence of Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Comorbidity,” Accident Analysis and Prevention 43 (2011): 37.

Field Sobriety Tests

Drugged Driving Accidents

DUI vs DWI

Reviews

Thank you FVF Law Firm for your professional handling of my case. I came to the firm skeptical that any law firm would really make my interest the most important. I took an extended amount of time looking for a law firm that would be honest and work hard on my behalf. From our 1st meeting they were diligent about making sure I knew that they would work hard to represent my voice. Aaron was wonderful about settling my fears and throughly explaining the expectation for my case. My direct attorney Shawn Frazier was truly my advocate. She kept me updated every step of the way about the status of my case. She helped me manage my care with my medical providers so that I could recover from my injury. Ultimately she worked hard to make sure that the insurance carrier was held to the highest standard to settle my injury fairly. Thank you Shawn Frazier and thank you FVF Law for taking care of me and treating me like I was your family. This was a great experience.

Janine Venson

04:18 14 May 19

I can not speak more highly of FVF Law, and especially my attorney, Matt Breeland, during my personal injury suit. Not only did he get the job done, but I felt like I was his highest priority throughout the whole process. My care and comfort always came before the bottom line and Matt refused to stop until he felt that I was fairly set up for the future and that my health had been taken care of. Top notch communication and complete honesty the whole time. While I hope that I don't need Matt's particular expertise in the future, I will fervently recommend him and FVF Law to everyone that finds themselves needing a PI firm.

Amy Uptegrove

17:53 11 May 19

I doubt anyone enjoys being in a car accident, but FVF made the process as smooth and painless as it can be. My boyfriend and I had a lot of questions about the process and I wasn’t sure about using a lawyer. Shawn took extra time to talk my boyfriend and I through every step and even gave us useful advice for all the other steps—like having our car evaluated and towed away. While there are other cases that I’m sure were much larger than ours, Shawn and Ines never made us feel small or unimportant. They always got back to us right away and Shawn was available for a phone or in person chat when we wanted it. The best part was, I got all the medical care I needed. It’s very nice to know that the effects of our car accident have been properly addressed and are unlikely to come back months and years from now. Dealing with the after affects and paperwork of a car wreck is rarely quick, but FVF made it much, much easier. I hope to never be t-boned again, but if I am, I would definitely use FVF to navigate the process. They’re fantastic!

Kaitlin Tasker

13:44 11 May 19

Got t-boned by a minivan in our old volvo. We decided to hire FVF because the other party claimed there was a third vehicle involved and then tried to claim against our insurance a few days later. All we wanted was peace of mind, to make sure we have no medical problems due to the accident, and to get our vehicle replaced in a timely fashion. To that end, FVF provided exactly what we needed. I hope I never have to go through this process again, but if I do, I will not hesitate to contact FVF.

Michael Quiñones

20:10 09 May 19

This firm has a group of most wonderful people. Everyone that I had the opportunity to interact with was highly professional, very knowledgeable, and always patient. I will recommend the firm to anyone I know.

Benjamin Zhan

21:04 26 Apr 19

I met with an accident and faced a whiplash injury, FVF Law firm was very professional starting from the beginning of my case to the end in every stage of the process. The best part is they handled everything so that I can focus on my recovery. The team is awesome the people are so kind. I really appreciate they worked hard on getting me what I deserved. I recommend 100%. Kudos to Aaron and the entire team. I am thankful for all that you have done for me.

Venkata Dadi

04:28 25 Apr 19

Aaron Von Flatern and Mark Farris are outstanding lawyers who represented me successfully through a difficult situation. As their client, I always felt that I received expert and well reasoned advice. My calls and emails were returned within just a few hours (sometimes minutes) and they never seemed too busy to answer questions. They are principled lawyers who respect their clients and respect the law and I recommend them without hesitation.

S Albers

23:04 20 Mar 19

Josh and his team are amazing! My car was totaled by a distracted driver and my mom and I had serious injuries. I had no idea what to do and a friend referred me to Josh. Trusting him with our case was one of the best decisions. He took care of us immediately and throughout the process he always responded in a timely manner. His ethics are unquestionable! We are extremely satisfied with the outcome! Very thankful and blessed to have cross paths with Josh! I will definitely recommend FVF Law to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer!!

madai flores

21:51 25 Feb 19

Josh Fogelman changed my whole view of attorneys as lying sharks. I contacted Josh from North Carolina when I was on vacation. A few nights earlier a drunk driver rear ended the truck behind me while we were stopped at a red light. Needless to say, my car was totalled. Gratefully, neither myself nor my 2 daughters were injured. What really impressed me the most about the relationship with Josh was that he never pressured me to make any decision. He was very thorough with the options before me, even permitted me to think about the options before making a decision. I am not a money hungry person, I wasn't out to make any more than collecting for my losses. Another thing that I appreciated about his service was the ease I had in contacting him. Not once did I have to wait for more than a day for him to return my messages. Lastly, perhaps the coolest thing was that he and I only met face to face once, and this conversation was more about generalities than the case. Since there were no injuries, Josh didn't even flinch that the reward was going to be significantly less than normal injury cases, yet, Josh maintained his professional composure throughout the entire case. If you are looking for an honorable attorney to handle your case, look no more

Christopher Harrington

16:45 21 Feb 19

Mark Farris is great. He sat down with my wife and I regarding a personal injury case caused by another driver in an auto accident. He said he would read through several documents and research to let us know if he could help, and wouldn't charge us if he couldn't. Good news for us was he was a tremendous help with our case in dealing with multiple insurance carriers, medical providers, and negotiations. He was also able to increase our net settlement amount by almost double. I would recommend Mark to anyone that is looking for service oriented attorney with his clients best interest in mind.

ryan hawkins

21:54 19 Feb 19

I can't reach the surface of how FVF Law is amazing! From the admin asst. at the front desk to the managing partner, you aren't going to find a more kind and dedicated group of personal injury attorneys. Some firms boast client satisfaction as their number one priority, and then you find out the opposite after you hire them. Not FVF! They truly care about their clients. I was rear-ended by an underinsured motorist which resulted in me having neck surgery. This firm helped me navigate through all of the conservative treatment before going under the knife. They have a set of medical professionals that are second-to-none. My case was settled with the at-fault driver's insurance company and my insurance company without the need to file a lawsuit, which netted more money in my pocket. In the end, I received a substantial amount that was above and beyond what I expected throughout the process. Put their phone number in your cell phones. Call them immediately, even if you are still on the scene of the accident. You will not be disappointed! I am off to buy a pool with cash, thanks to FVF!!!

Brad H

20:32 19 Feb 19

Josh and Matt handled my case and I have to say they did an absolute superb job. They gave me peace of mind by handling the case in its entirety, recommending the best medical team and taking care of absolutely everything. Recommend them to any person that needs injury lawyers. The case was handled in a very professional way and in a very time efficient way. They were always available to answer any questions and to solve them in a brief time. Quality, honesty and efficiency is what you will find by working with Josh's team. Will be forever grateful.

Heidi Bouchard

19:44 19 Feb 19

I initially thought I would wait until our case was resolved to write a full review. Then I thought about others out there that may be searching for the right firm to help them get through what we are currently going through. I wanted others to know that if they are searching for the right attorney, that their search is over! I cannot say enough great things about FVF Law. I have personally worked with both Shawn and Josh and I can't tell you in words how amazing these two have been! Shawn has literally been there with me every step of the way. She has been a voice of calm and empathy. Being injured in an accident is a nightmare, but because of the amazing attorneys at FVF I have never felt alone through this process. I truly appreciate all you have done and are continuing to do for my husband and I. Thank you!

Crystal Jaime

19:33 19 Feb 19

In May 2017, I was on my way to an interview and at a red light when a commercial septic tank plowed into my passenger side. I immediately had pain but had no health insurance at the time. I researched diligently law firms in the Austin area and found FVF. I called them and explained my situation. I was immediately assisted. The entire process was made easy by the amazing lawyers and staff at FVF law firm. I was seen by a doctor quickly. My case was handled professionally and efficiently. Whenever I had any concern, my lawyer Mark immediately put me at ease with his quick answers and solutions. My case was settled to my immense satisfaction. If you want to feel like part of the family and not just another client, choose FVF. You will not be disappointed. Lisette

lisette pena

22:11 08 Feb 19

I cannot say enough nice things about this firm. Everyone I encountered was extremely nice and helpful. Josh walked be through every step and made sure I didn't have any questions. They made a difficult time manageable. I will definitely be recommending them!

Maggie Balzer

16:24 31 Jan 19

I chose FVF (Fogelman VonFlatern) law firm based upon reviews, so I’m leaving these words to assure you it was a good decision. You can expect any attorney to work on your behalf; they earn a share of your settlement and that’s incentive. But at FVF I was treated with sincere interest by everyone in the office. They patiently explained in detail, every step along the way, and they also gave me their best recommendations. I was fully briefed for the depositions and it eliminated my nervousness. Matt Breeland was a strong negotiator; I received the maximum amount we could have been awarded. It’s a long process but they stayed in touch and kept me involved. He earned his share and I’d feel comfortable with their advice in any legal situation.

Jo An Brown

16:33 27 Jan 19

Josh, Aaron, Greg and their whole team are great! FVF is like getting a dream team for a trial. They were very informative on what was going on and what they were hoping to get with my case. In the end everything they predicted in their set up happened flawlessly. Great team to work with and they definitely go the extra mile. They even came to visit me before surgery to make sure I was golden! Hope I’m never in that spot again but FVF is my first call if I am.

The Homewreckers ATX

01:37 13 Jan 19

Mark Farris is great. He sat down with my wife and I regarding a personal injury case caused by another driver in an auto accident. He said he would read through several documents and research to let us know if he could help, and wouldn't charge us if he couldn't. Good news for us was he was a tremendous help with our case in dealing with multiple insurance carriers, medical providers, and negotiations. He was also able to increase our net settlement amount by almost double. I would recommend Mark to anyone that is looking for service oriented attorney with his clients best interest in mind.

ryan hawkins

20:13 31 Oct 18

Shawn at FVF law firm is amazing. She kept me up to date and informed every step of the way for my claim. She always made sure that I understood what was going on and thoroughly explaind all of my options. If you ever are in an accident do not hesitate to call they will do you right every step of the way.

Joshua Rodriguez

16:08 26 Oct 18

FVF Law took the time to guide me through the entire process with amazing, friendly, and professional service. Their first priority was to make sure that I received the best medical attention possible. Then, went to bat for me through the litigation process. Mark took care of everything for me! All I did was just show up. The whole process was stress free. And, my settlement was more than expected. If you need an attorney who is knowledgeable, caring, and honest then, Mark should be the person to contact.

Anna Solis

14:05 13 Oct 18

Aaron and his team are very professional and friendly, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer. Aaron handled every aspect of my case efficiently. I was severely injured and unable to walk for several months, and he made the process as smooth as possible. Aaron went above and beyond by coming to see me in the hospital and helping out with our rent as I was unable to work. FVF Law was able to achieve the maximum amount for our settlement, including negotiating with health insurance and medical providers and even taking less for himself than initially agreed upon. While being injured and dealing with many medical bills is certainly less than pleasant, my experiences with Aaron and his team were always positive.

Melissa Roetker

16:24 29 Aug 18

My own insurance company paid a lot of money trying not to pay my claim but in the end Aaron and Matt forced their hand. FVL always kept my up to date and they took care of 2 years worth of medical bills as the case was being settled. I learned a lot from the experience of dealing with insurance companies, the greatest of which is the importance of a great lawyer.

Rick Hatfield

22:54 27 Aug 18

Josh and his team are awesome! They helped me with a car accident awhile back and were so helpful throughout everything. At the time, I had never needed an attorney before, and I was hesitant in who to contact. I reached out to multiple law firms and Josh was the ONLY ONE who reached back out to me the same day I called. He answered every question and concern I had along the way and removed all of the stress and anxiety I had. Since then he has been my “go to” whenever I need legal advice and he always points me in the right direction.I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone needing help with a car accident of any kind. Thank you, Josh!

Evan Zwerneman

18:51 01 Aug 18

FVF rocks! They made me feel like their first priority and were always there to help when I needed it. Thank you Aaron and team!

Zach Whitchurch

15:46 30 Jul 18

Unsolicited and Unpaid Review!!!!!!!! FVF Law firm are good people that do what is right and stay true to their words. If you need help, think you might need help, or are lost these are the people to contact!There is a reason they don't advertise on TV, its not a volume or numbers game. They are that good and want to provide the best service possible. I encourage you to stop looking and know Aaron Von Flatern and his team will do right by you and your family. How often do you find a lawyer that cares about you? I found my answer here and believed in the reviews. I had never used an attorney before, was skeptical of the process, and I am the type of person that usually goes at it on my own. The advice they provided was invaluable.

Jeremy Burke

00:25 12 Jul 18

While visiting Austin from out of state, I was involved in an auto accident that caused injuries to two passengers (my mother and my wife) in the rental car that I was driving. Josh Fogelman, Matt Breeland and the entire staff at FVF Law guided us through the complicated process, keeping us involved and informed throughout (despite the challenges caused by being geographically separated). Over the nearly three years of engagement (welcome to TX law), I found the entire FVF Law team to be professional, compassionate, highly skilled and personable (my wife wants to “Friend” them on Facebook!).From my initial call (questions answered, options and possible/likely outcomes explained), through failed mediation (opposing counsel was unprepared), to successful trial verdict (and beyond) – these guys were amazing.After winning our case in court (two years after the accident), Josh and Matt continued to work to ensure the best possible outcome for us. They successfully defended appeals and negotiated with all involved parties to maximize our net proceeds.While I hope that I never again need a lawyer in Texas (or anywhere else, for that matter), if I do, I’m going directly to FVF Law.-----Several times, over the course of the years that we were engaged with the folks at FVF Law, I thought of writing a review (would have been glowing throughout), but I decided to wait until all was said and done. This review of FVF Law remains GLOWING at the end of our journey together!-----

George C

19:50 05 Jul 18

I highly recommend Josh Fogelman, without reservation, qualification, or hesitation. Josh was the fourth attorney I visited after my car accident, and the first one who really listened to me. Rather than giving me the boilerplate lawyer speech, he asked a lot of questions and tried to figure out what was best for me in my situation. After my accident, I had several thousands of dollars worth of medical bills, and was super worn out from spending multiple hours per week on the phone with health and auto insurance companies. As soon as I hired Josh, he took care of everything! He made the process INCREDIBLY easy, and was extremely personable and respectful along the way. He also thought of a lot of tricks that I would not have known about that ended up giving me a significantly bigger settlement than I would have been able to get on my own. Josh is honest, smart, and excellent at his job. I always say my biggest regret is not hiring him sooner!

Stevie Schein

16:40 29 Jun 18

Despite the circumstances that caused me to need their help, FVF Law was a great experience. Josh was always attentive and never rushed. Communications between client (me) and staff was excellent. The associated attorneys are experienced and easy to talk with. I had an outcome I was very satisfied with.I highly recommend this law office!

Mary Laf

19:05 26 Jun 18

Aaron and his team are some of the most standup folks I know. They helped my wife and I so much get through a very tough year due to a nasty car crash when we were hit by a drunk. I highly recommend giving them a call if you need help.

Derek Law

02:16 01 Jun 18

Great experience for an unfortunate situation. Our attorney was very helpful and always there for us. Highly recommend this law firm.

C Miller

13:11 17 May 18

FVF Law Firm handled my case with the utmost integrity , honesty and professionalism. Josh Fogelman and Aaron Von Flatern, founding partners in this firm, personally represented me in my case. I called FVF when I thought I was not being treated fairly or respectfully by the insurance company of the person that hit me. FVF treated me fairly and respectfully. They always had my best interest in mind through out this whole process. Josh Fogelman was my representing counsel from the beginning. He was very quick to respond either in text , email or phone to any questions I had regarding my case. I was t- boned by a driver that ran a red light. I had neck , back injuries and I had a broken bone in my ankle. I had to have two surgeries, one was a disc replacement in my neck as well as an ankle surgery to repair the chipped bone. Both surgeries required extensive physical therapy. With FVF representing me I had peace of mind that they would fight for me and get my medical costs and future medical costs paid by the insurance company of the opposing counsel- which they did! FVF exceded all my expectations and more for the outcome of my case. I would highly recommend FVF Law firm to anyone that is in this situation.

Shannon Mileger

02:05 12 May 18

This truly is my pleasure to leave nothing less that 100% praise and positive review of FVF Law!! I was so well taken care of from the first call to the office until the end and everuthing in between. They absolutely go above and beyond as attorneys and staff and educate you on the process, your options and your outcomes. I was always informed and updated and even got check up calls just to see if all was well. The patience and understanding of the entire staff was top notch and I couldn't have ever imagined being so pleased at the outcome of a situation that was so out of my control but they never let me feel that way. You must use FVF law (Matt and Josh) if you are searching for quality and compassion. These guys do it right!! I'll forever be grateful to them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart❤

Nicole Bitner

21:02 02 Apr 18

We are ever so grateful to have worked with the FVF Law Firm (specifically Matt Breeland & Josh Fogelman) to help us resolve a personal injury case. The case was resolved to our great satisfaction and maybe more importantly, we were touched by the level of care, compassion and grace we received while they guided us through a very foreign process. Matt and Josh were attentive to our needs, responsive to our questions, and not once did we feel that we were “just another client”. I hope we won’t ever again require their excellent services, but if we do, we won’t hesitate to make FVF our first and only call.

Matt Julian

14:36 21 Nov 17

very professional, and my case received excellent personal attention. I believe FVF Law Firm left no stone un-turned in resolving my case. I was very pleased with the way in which my case was revolved. Thank you all so much!

Angelica Prindle

14:23 09 Nov 17

I am extremely happy with the services provided by Aaron Von Flatern. After a very traumatic collision with a tractor trailer, he made sure my daughter received the medical care she needed. He worked with the insurance companies and the medical care providers. I didn't need to worry about anything. He took care of it. I would strongly recommend Aaron to anyone looking for an excellent attorney. He went above and beyond to ensure we got what we needed.

Elizabeth Rankin

02:28 28 Apr 17

Josh, Matt, and the team where nothing but world-class. This was my first case so they guided me through the entire process with expert advice. It felt like they really cared about me. Not just my case but me recovering as a person. Response time was excellent and their knowledge inspired a lot of confidence throughout the entire process.

Google Rating

This truly is my pleasure to leave nothing less that 100% praise and positive review of FVF Law!! I was so well taken care of from the first call to the office until the end and everuthing in between. They absolutely go above and beyond as attorneys and staff and educate you on the process, your options and your outcomes. I was always informed and updated and even got check up calls just to see if all was well. The patience and understanding of the entire staff was top notch and I couldn't have ever imagined being so pleased at the outcome of a situation that was so out of my control but they never let me feel that way. You must use FVF law (Matt and Josh) if you are searching for quality and compassion. These guys do it right!! I'll forever be grateful to them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart❤

We are ever so grateful to have worked with the FVF Law Firm (specifically Matt Breeland & Josh Fogelman) to help us resolve a personal injury case. The case was resolved to our great satisfaction and maybe more importantly, we were touched by the level of care, compassion and grace we received while they guided us through a very foreign process. Matt and Josh were attentive to our needs, responsive to our questions, and not once did we feel that we were “just another client”. I hope we won’t ever again require their excellent services, but if we do, we won’t hesitate to make FVF our first and only call.

very professional, and my case received excellent personal attention. I believe FVF Law Firm left no stone un-turned in resolving my case. I was very pleased with the way in which my case was revolved. Thank you all so much!

I am extremely happy with the services provided by Aaron Von Flatern. After a very traumatic collision with a tractor trailer, he made sure my daughter received the medical care she needed. He worked with the insurance companies and the medical care providers. I didn't need to worry about anything. He took care of it. I would strongly recommend Aaron to anyone looking for an excellent attorney. He went above and beyond to ensure we got what we needed.

Josh, Matt, and the team where nothing but world-class. This was my first case so they guided me through the entire process with expert advice. It felt like they really cared about me. Not just my case but me recovering as a person. Response time was excellent and their knowledge inspired a lot of confidence throughout the entire process.

FVF Law Firm handled my case with the utmost integrity , honesty and professionalism. Josh Fogelman and Aaron Von Flatern, founding partners in this firm, personally represented me in my case. I called FVF when I thought I was not being treated fairly or respectfully by the insurance company of the person that hit me. FVF treated me fairly and respectfully. They always had my best interest in mind through out this whole process. Josh Fogelman was my representing counsel from the beginning. He was very quick to respond either in text , email or phone to any questions I had regarding my case. I was t- boned by a driver that ran a red light. I had neck , back injuries and I had a broken bone in my ankle. I had to have two surgeries, one was a disc replacement in my neck as well as an ankle surgery to repair the chipped bone. Both surgeries required extensive physical therapy. With FVF representing me I had peace of mind that they would fight for me and get my medical costs and future medical costs paid by the insurance company of the opposing counsel- which they did! FVF exceded all my expectations and more for the outcome of my case. I would highly recommend FVF Law firm to anyone that is in this situation.

Aaron and his team are some of the most standup folks I know. They helped my wife and I so much get through a very tough year due to a nasty car crash when we were hit by a drunk. I highly recommend giving them a call if you need help.

Despite the circumstances that caused me to need their help, FVF Law was a great experience. Josh was always attentive and never rushed. Communications between client (me) and staff was excellent. The associated attorneys are experienced and easy to talk with. I had an outcome I was very satisfied with.I highly recommend this law office!

I highly recommend Josh Fogelman, without reservation, qualification, or hesitation. Josh was the fourth attorney I visited after my car accident, and the first one who really listened to me. Rather than giving me the boilerplate lawyer speech, he asked a lot of questions and tried to figure out what was best for me in my situation. After my accident, I had several thousands of dollars worth of medical bills, and was super worn out from spending multiple hours per week on the phone with health and auto insurance companies. As soon as I hired Josh, he took care of everything! He made the process INCREDIBLY easy, and was extremely personable and respectful along the way. He also thought of a lot of tricks that I would not have known about that ended up giving me a significantly bigger settlement than I would have been able to get on my own. Josh is honest, smart, and excellent at his job. I always say my biggest regret is not hiring him sooner!

While visiting Austin from out of state, I was involved in an auto accident that caused injuries to two passengers (my mother and my wife) in the rental car that I was driving. Josh Fogelman, Matt Breeland and the entire staff at FVF Law guided us through the complicated process, keeping us involved and informed throughout (despite the challenges caused by being geographically separated). Over the nearly three years of engagement (welcome to TX law), I found the entire FVF Law team to be professional, compassionate, highly skilled and personable (my wife wants to “Friend” them on Facebook!).From my initial call (questions answered, options and possible/likely outcomes explained), through failed mediation (opposing counsel was unprepared), to successful trial verdict (and beyond) – these guys were amazing.After winning our case in court (two years after the accident), Josh and Matt continued to work to ensure the best possible outcome for us. They successfully defended appeals and negotiated with all involved parties to maximize our net proceeds.While I hope that I never again need a lawyer in Texas (or anywhere else, for that matter), if I do, I’m going directly to FVF Law.-----Several times, over the course of the years that we were engaged with the folks at FVF Law, I thought of writing a review (would have been glowing throughout), but I decided to wait until all was said and done. This review of FVF Law remains GLOWING at the end of our journey together!-----

Unsolicited and Unpaid Review!!!!!!!! FVF Law firm are good people that do what is right and stay true to their words. If you need help, think you might need help, or are lost these are the people to contact!There is a reason they don't advertise on TV, its not a volume or numbers game. They are that good and want to provide the best service possible. I encourage you to stop looking and know Aaron Von Flatern and his team will do right by you and your family. How often do you find a lawyer that cares about you? I found my answer here and believed in the reviews. I had never used an attorney before, was skeptical of the process, and I am the type of person that usually goes at it on my own. The advice they provided was invaluable.

Josh and his team are awesome! They helped me with a car accident awhile back and were so helpful throughout everything. At the time, I had never needed an attorney before, and I was hesitant in who to contact. I reached out to multiple law firms and Josh was the ONLY ONE who reached back out to me the same day I called. He answered every question and concern I had along the way and removed all of the stress and anxiety I had. Since then he has been my “go to” whenever I need legal advice and he always points me in the right direction.I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone needing help with a car accident of any kind. Thank you, Josh!

My own insurance company paid a lot of money trying not to pay my claim but in the end Aaron and Matt forced their hand. FVL always kept my up to date and they took care of 2 years worth of medical bills as the case was being settled. I learned a lot from the experience of dealing with insurance companies, the greatest of which is the importance of a great lawyer.

Aaron and his team are very professional and friendly, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer. Aaron handled every aspect of my case efficiently. I was severely injured and unable to walk for several months, and he made the process as smooth as possible. Aaron went above and beyond by coming to see me in the hospital and helping out with our rent as I was unable to work. FVF Law was able to achieve the maximum amount for our settlement, including negotiating with health insurance and medical providers and even taking less for himself than initially agreed upon. While being injured and dealing with many medical bills is certainly less than pleasant, my experiences with Aaron and his team were always positive.

FVF Law took the time to guide me through the entire process with amazing, friendly, and professional service. Their first priority was to make sure that I received the best medical attention possible. Then, went to bat for me through the litigation process. Mark took care of everything for me! All I did was just show up. The whole process was stress free. And, my settlement was more than expected. If you need an attorney who is knowledgeable, caring, and honest then, Mark should be the person to contact.

Shawn at FVF law firm is amazing. She kept me up to date and informed every step of the way for my claim. She always made sure that I understood what was going on and thoroughly explaind all of my options. If you ever are in an accident do not hesitate to call they will do you right every step of the way.

Mark Farris is great. He sat down with my wife and I regarding a personal injury case caused by another driver in an auto accident. He said he would read through several documents and research to let us know if he could help, and wouldn't charge us if he couldn't. Good news for us was he was a tremendous help with our case in dealing with multiple insurance carriers, medical providers, and negotiations. He was also able to increase our net settlement amount by almost double. I would recommend Mark to anyone that is looking for service oriented attorney with his clients best interest in mind.

Josh, Aaron, Greg and their whole team are great! FVF is like getting a dream team for a trial. They were very informative on what was going on and what they were hoping to get with my case. In the end everything they predicted in their set up happened flawlessly. Great team to work with and they definitely go the extra mile. They even came to visit me before surgery to make sure I was golden! Hope I’m never in that spot again but FVF is my first call if I am.

I chose FVF (Fogelman VonFlatern) law firm based upon reviews, so I’m leaving these words to assure you it was a good decision. You can expect any attorney to work on your behalf; they earn a share of your settlement and that’s incentive. But at FVF I was treated with sincere interest by everyone in the office. They patiently explained in detail, every step along the way, and they also gave me their best recommendations. I was fully briefed for the depositions and it eliminated my nervousness. Matt Breeland was a strong negotiator; I received the maximum amount we could have been awarded. It’s a long process but they stayed in touch and kept me involved. He earned his share and I’d feel comfortable with their advice in any legal situation.

I cannot say enough nice things about this firm. Everyone I encountered was extremely nice and helpful. Josh walked be through every step and made sure I didn't have any questions. They made a difficult time manageable. I will definitely be recommending them!

In May 2017, I was on my way to an interview and at a red light when a commercial septic tank plowed into my passenger side. I immediately had pain but had no health insurance at the time. I researched diligently law firms in the Austin area and found FVF. I called them and explained my situation. I was immediately assisted. The entire process was made easy by the amazing lawyers and staff at FVF law firm. I was seen by a doctor quickly. My case was handled professionally and efficiently. Whenever I had any concern, my lawyer Mark immediately put me at ease with his quick answers and solutions. My case was settled to my immense satisfaction. If you want to feel like part of the family and not just another client, choose FVF. You will not be disappointed. Lisette

Josh and Matt handled my case and I have to say they did an absolute superb job. They gave me peace of mind by handling the case in its entirety, recommending the best medical team and taking care of absolutely everything. Recommend them to any person that needs injury lawyers. The case was handled in a very professional way and in a very time efficient way. They were always available to answer any questions and to solve them in a brief time. Quality, honesty and efficiency is what you will find by working with Josh's team. Will be forever grateful.

I initially thought I would wait until our case was resolved to write a full review. Then I thought about others out there that may be searching for the right firm to help them get through what we are currently going through. I wanted others to know that if they are searching for the right attorney, that their search is over! I cannot say enough great things about FVF Law. I have personally worked with both Shawn and Josh and I can't tell you in words how amazing these two have been! Shawn has literally been there with me every step of the way. She has been a voice of calm and empathy. Being injured in an accident is a nightmare, but because of the amazing attorneys at FVF I have never felt alone through this process. I truly appreciate all you have done and are continuing to do for my husband and I. Thank you!

I can't reach the surface of how FVF Law is amazing! From the admin asst. at the front desk to the managing partner, you aren't going to find a more kind and dedicated group of personal injury attorneys. Some firms boast client satisfaction as their number one priority, and then you find out the opposite after you hire them. Not FVF! They truly care about their clients. I was rear-ended by an underinsured motorist which resulted in me having neck surgery. This firm helped me navigate through all of the conservative treatment before going under the knife. They have a set of medical professionals that are second-to-none. My case was settled with the at-fault driver's insurance company and my insurance company without the need to file a lawsuit, which netted more money in my pocket. In the end, I received a substantial amount that was above and beyond what I expected throughout the process. Put their phone number in your cell phones. Call them immediately, even if you are still on the scene of the accident. You will not be disappointed! I am off to buy a pool with cash, thanks to FVF!!!

Mark Farris is great. He sat down with my wife and I regarding a personal injury case caused by another driver in an auto accident. He said he would read through several documents and research to let us know if he could help, and wouldn't charge us if he couldn't. Good news for us was he was a tremendous help with our case in dealing with multiple insurance carriers, medical providers, and negotiations. He was also able to increase our net settlement amount by almost double. I would recommend Mark to anyone that is looking for service oriented attorney with his clients best interest in mind.

Josh Fogelman changed my whole view of attorneys as lying sharks. I contacted Josh from North Carolina when I was on vacation. A few nights earlier a drunk driver rear ended the truck behind me while we were stopped at a red light. Needless to say, my car was totalled. Gratefully, neither myself nor my 2 daughters were injured. What really impressed me the most about the relationship with Josh was that he never pressured me to make any decision. He was very thorough with the options before me, even permitted me to think about the options before making a decision. I am not a money hungry person, I wasn't out to make any more than collecting for my losses. Another thing that I appreciated about his service was the ease I had in contacting him. Not once did I have to wait for more than a day for him to return my messages. Lastly, perhaps the coolest thing was that he and I only met face to face once, and this conversation was more about generalities than the case. Since there were no injuries, Josh didn't even flinch that the reward was going to be significantly less than normal injury cases, yet, Josh maintained his professional composure throughout the entire case. If you are looking for an honorable attorney to handle your case, look no more

Josh and his team are amazing! My car was totaled by a distracted driver and my mom and I had serious injuries. I had no idea what to do and a friend referred me to Josh. Trusting him with our case was one of the best decisions. He took care of us immediately and throughout the process he always responded in a timely manner. His ethics are unquestionable! We are extremely satisfied with the outcome! Very thankful and blessed to have cross paths with Josh! I will definitely recommend FVF Law to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer!!

Aaron Von Flatern and Mark Farris are outstanding lawyers who represented me successfully through a difficult situation. As their client, I always felt that I received expert and well reasoned advice. My calls and emails were returned within just a few hours (sometimes minutes) and they never seemed too busy to answer questions. They are principled lawyers who respect their clients and respect the law and I recommend them without hesitation.

I met with an accident and faced a whiplash injury, FVF Law firm was very professional starting from the beginning of my case to the end in every stage of the process. The best part is they handled everything so that I can focus on my recovery. The team is awesome the people are so kind. I really appreciate they worked hard on getting me what I deserved. I recommend 100%. Kudos to Aaron and the entire team. I am thankful for all that you have done for me.

This firm has a group of most wonderful people. Everyone that I had the opportunity to interact with was highly professional, very knowledgeable, and always patient. I will recommend the firm to anyone I know.

Got t-boned by a minivan in our old volvo. We decided to hire FVF because the other party claimed there was a third vehicle involved and then tried to claim against our insurance a few days later. All we wanted was peace of mind, to make sure we have no medical problems due to the accident, and to get our vehicle replaced in a timely fashion. To that end, FVF provided exactly what we needed. I hope I never have to go through this process again, but if I do, I will not hesitate to contact FVF.

I doubt anyone enjoys being in a car accident, but FVF made the process as smooth and painless as it can be. My boyfriend and I had a lot of questions about the process and I wasn’t sure about using a lawyer. Shawn took extra time to talk my boyfriend and I through every step and even gave us useful advice for all the other steps—like having our car evaluated and towed away. While there are other cases that I’m sure were much larger than ours, Shawn and Ines never made us feel small or unimportant. They always got back to us right away and Shawn was available for a phone or in person chat when we wanted it. The best part was, I got all the medical care I needed. It’s very nice to know that the effects of our car accident have been properly addressed and are unlikely to come back months and years from now. Dealing with the after affects and paperwork of a car wreck is rarely quick, but FVF made it much, much easier. I hope to never be t-boned again, but if I am, I would definitely use FVF to navigate the process. They’re fantastic!

I can not speak more highly of FVF Law, and especially my attorney, Matt Breeland, during my personal injury suit. Not only did he get the job done, but I felt like I was his highest priority throughout the whole process. My care and comfort always came before the bottom line and Matt refused to stop until he felt that I was fairly set up for the future and that my health had been taken care of. Top notch communication and complete honesty the whole time. While I hope that I don't need Matt's particular expertise in the future, I will fervently recommend him and FVF Law to everyone that finds themselves needing a PI firm.

Thank you FVF Law Firm for your professional handling of my case. I came to the firm skeptical that any law firm would really make my interest the most important. I took an extended amount of time looking for a law firm that would be honest and work hard on my behalf. From our 1st meeting they were diligent about making sure I knew that they would work hard to represent my voice. Aaron was wonderful about settling my fears and throughly explaining the expectation for my case. My direct attorney Shawn Frazier was truly my advocate. She kept me updated every step of the way about the status of my case. She helped me manage my care with my medical providers so that I could recover from my injury. Ultimately she worked hard to make sure that the insurance carrier was held to the highest standard to settle my injury fairly. Thank you Shawn Frazier and thank you FVF Law for taking care of me and treating me like I was your family. This was a great experience.

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